This is a great game for all ages to practice their throwing and catching skills. In this game, players throw up a ball (or object) and clap as many times as they can before catching the ball.
Popcorn
1-2 Players
All Ages
Balls
5-10 Minutes
Goal
To get as many claps in before catching the ball.
Before You Start
- Stand in a circle.
- Model throwing the ball up and catching it.
Set Up
No set up required
How to Play
- The first person throws up the ball and claps once, then catches the ball. Everyone in the circle does this.
- If the person is successful, they then try and add a clap on their next turn to the number from the previous turn. If unsuccessful, the person keeps trying each turn.
- Each player only gets to throw up the ball once a turn.
Variations
- Give each player their own ball, and see how many claps individuals can work up to within a set amount of time.
- On a start signal all players throw their ball up, clap once, then catch the ball. Each time an individual is successful, challenge them to add another clap before catching the ball.
- At the end of the designated time, have players share their successes.
- Add a clap with each new person.
- The first person throws the ball up, claps once, then catches the ball.
- The second person throws the ball up, claps twice, then catches the ball.
- The third person tries to clap three times, and so on and so forth.
- If someone is unable to clap the next number in the sequence, or misses the ball, the next person in the circle resets back to the beginning with one clap.
- Try playing with different types of objects.
- Scarfs or plastic produce bags float and give players more time to clap and catch.
- Bean bags may be easier for some to catch, and don’t roll away if they are missed.